Hungary completely shuts down Paks nuclear plant due to record low Danube water levels

Published Jul 31, 05:58 PM UTC

Hungary has been forced to completely shut down its only nuclear power plant, Paks, due to record low water levels in the Danube River, which made cooling the reactors impossible. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the shutdown on July 31, 2026, after production had already been gradually reduced. The plant, located 100 kilometers south of Budapest, normally generates nearly half of Hungary's electricity. By Monday, all four reactor blocks are expected to be at a standstill. The situation is compounded by a partial failure of the Dunamenti gas power plant. The Hungarian government describes the electricity supply situation as difficult but covered by imports. Other Danube riparian states are also affected: Austria's hydropower plants are generating less electricity, and Romania has shut down one reactor block at the Cernavodă nuclear plant. Danube shipping is at a standstill in many places, and thousands in Szentendre, Hungary, are without drinking water. Environment Minister László Gajdos warned of permanent water scarcity with no precipitation expected. The government plans to review energy consumption of large users and called for reduced water and electricity use.

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